Introduction

The Oldsmobile Intrigue combines a responsive V6 engine with sophisticated styling and an elegant interior. This midsize sedan is stable at high speeds, agile on winding roads, with good grip. Its rigid structure delivers a smooth ride and good handling. The Intrigue's twin-cam V6 delivers lots of power for quick passing on two-lane roads. The Intrigue seats four people comfortably, or its rear seats can be folded down to make room for a lot of luggage. For 2002, new upper and lower anchor tethers have been added for child safety seats. The Intrigue's interior is handsome, and GL and GLS models feature well-designed climate controls. . GLS comes standard with tasteful leather, this year with a new two-tone treatment. Overall, the driving experience is more European in flavor than other midsize domestic sedans. It is arguably the best of the General Motors sedans in this class. The Intrigue is an enjoyable car, easy to live with, and it holds its own against such popular mid-size imports as the V6-powered versions of the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. It offers more character and is lighter on its feet than a Ford Taurus.

Walkaround

Intrigue's quietly muscular exterior features styling cues from the flagship Oldsmobile Aurora. This is most apparent in the twin openings below the reflector headlamps, which add character to the front end. Aggressive 16-inch wheels fill the wheel wells. The Intrigue's styling and proportions disguise its substantial size. For 2002, Tropic Teal and Indigo Blue have been added to the paint palette. Intrigue shares hardware with GM's other mid-size entries: Pontiac Grand Prix, Chevy Impala, Buick Century and Buick Regal. Yet the Intrigue presents its own character and is arguably the best interpretation of GM's W-car group.

Interior Features

The inside color scheme of our Intrigue GL came in a subdued contrast of taupe and cream. Devoid wood trim, it is tastefully done and looked like something from the cover of an interior design catalog. An organic dash design looked clean, uncluttered and contemporary. GLS models come with leather seating surfaces and a new two-tone scheme. The GLS interior features mini-perforated inserts and is available in Natural with traditional wood-grain accents, or Pewter with Sterling metallic accents. The Intrigue is a big car by mid-size standards, and there's corresponding roominess inside. Front legroom, augmented by extended seat travel, is abundant. The front bucket seats are nicely contoured. Six-way power adjustments on the driver's side are designed well. There's plenty of space for two adults in the rear. Long seat cushions provide exceptional thigh support. Five passengers would be crowded for anything but short trips, however. Three people in the back seat is a bit cramped. However, for 2002, upper and lower tethers have been added for child safety seats for all three rear seating positions. Trunk space is vast with plenty of room for golf bags, or mass quantities of luggage. I folded down one of the rear seats and stowed a set of fly rods there for a 600-mile round trip to Key West. Lots of glass, a streamlined instrument cowling and a low hood line make for excellent driver sight lines. An analog tachometer and speedometer are separated by an illuminated PRNDL repeater for the transmission. Padded in thick leather, the steering wheel feels good. There are auxiliary switches on the steering column for cruise controls and, on our GL, sound system controls. The ignition switch is mounted on the dashboard, which eliminates fumbling with column locks; this is the way all ignition switches should be. Similarly, the location of the emergency flasher and main cruise control switches, stacked to the right of the instrument nacelle, is ideal because they are easy to find and easy to reach in a hurry. Climate controls (standard on GL and GLS) are designed well and feature a passenger temperature adjustment that provides the significant other with some fine-tuning. Intrigue's cup holders are among the best.